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"I will say, this is so unexpected from you! I never thought I'd have the pleasure to wine and dine with you, dear boy"
"It's a coffee shop Compress."
The soft buzzing of blenders and mini spoons clinking on cups was everything the two could hear after you ignored the mumbled and hushed conversations of the others around them. It was a Wednesday, the middle of the work week and in the morning none the less so of course it would be busy however it was the only time to meet the ever-growing showman.
Pressing into the booth, Compress settled his hat to the side, bushing locks of brown free from their forced containment and watching as they fluffed up with the soft grooming. The showman always seemed to have a kink for self-presentation even if it was a simple meet-up.
"This too lowly for you your Majesty?"
"Oh hush now dear don't spoil the coffee with your bitter words. Besides you were the one to invite me here, as much as I'd love the quality time with dark and brooding I am a busy man Yano"
"Yea yea, don't worry. I just needed some advice on Kurono."
The showman's hazel gaze broke from their charm, instead replaced with curiosity and intrigue.
"Kurono? Did something happen?"
"No, I'm not that bad of a boyfriend." He scoffed, his fingers tapping against the table in a nervous tick.
"It's about Valentine's Day..."
No other words had to be said, the match found the flame that was Mr. Compress with the mention of his boyfriend and the day of love and chocolate.
The twinkle that seemed to dance in the showman's eyes could have blinded anyone if they stared enough, he himself having to turn away from the ever-growing excitement.
"Jesus how long does Coffee take.."
"Do you have a date idea?!"
'Jumping right into it' he sighed softly, giving into the fate that his mind would be filled with different romantic gestures and gentle words written in a script by this man by the time he left. What did he expect when inviting the man out?
"Kinda.." he started slowly, his gaze finding comfort in the designs carved into the wooden table the two settled at. The swirls in the wood make a perfect way to escape from the piercing gaze and instead focus on his finger that traced the rivers of wood.
"You heard about last year's?"
"The 5-star restaurant went wrong with spilled tea and a faulty engine? Sounds like a date in paradise"
The other physically cringed at the memory, how a carefully planned date went so wrong so fast, and barely any if it was caused by him.
"Was supposed to be... But I don't want that shit to happen again this year."
"So you come to me for advice and help to plan a beautiful outing filled with roses and breathtaking views of the sunset before sharing passionate kisses and even more passionate sex?"
"Ew, keep your fantasies to yourself, old man. I just want help with ideas. I got the planning myself thanks."
Maybe he should have called Kai for this.
The appearance of their waiter and the soft clinks of their coffee had given the showman enough time to ponder the two and their type of relationship.
They have been together for about three years now, their relationship built on constant teasing and roses of regret when he was kicked from the bed. A strange one but he was never one to pull the cupid arrow from its victim.
The spoon tapped against the cup gently as it stirred the steaming liquid, watching the white cream swirl and fade into waves of hazel brown.
"Perhaps you could take him out like this? A nice coffee date followed by a walk in the park then a night under the stars?"
Icy blue eyes flickered, running the idea and scenario over and over, molding it into a perfect night out, however...
"He'd prefer Tea or coffee.. and a ton of people will be out at parks and coffee shops. I don't want a repeat of last year. PTSD and that crap"
Fair he supposed, one spilled drink would be enough for a lifetime.
"Maybe a movie then? Stay home and rent a film for the night with a home-cooked meal?"
"He isn't interested in any of the movies out now... Too childish"
"How about a game night then? Maybe you could try some of the new video games out and see if he enjoys any"
"Who am I dating Tomura?? No, besides he doesn't enjoy the controls."
Compress huffed gently, each suggestion being shot down one after the other. It was growing impossible to find a scene where the two could enjoy their time together without the stresses of people or interests.
The cup was half empty when Compress spoke, his mind racking to think of any more ideas for the hopeless man before him.
"Try an event, like a local festival. Or perhaps crafting, there has to be some pottery shops around here."
The rough glass meeting wood startled the showman, his gaze lifting to see the other drowning in his defeat.
"Darling it's not even the day yet... you can't give up that quickly."
Ocean blue peaked up from darkened black spikes, something fierce in its gaze.
"None of these ideas are working."
"Yes that's true..." The spoon tapped against the plate, the showman putting all his energy into thinking, brainstorming for the man before he called it quits.
"Let's try a new perspective. His hobbies, and interests. He journals does he not?"
"Yeah.. but if you're asking for a writing date I'm not good and lovey-dovey poetry unless you're writing it for me"
"Mm.. Does he still have that Rubik's cube?"
"The one you gave him for his birthday? Yeah, but he solved that a long time ago."
"...Mmm.."
The shuffling had gotten his attention, glancing up from his puddle of despair to watch the hazel man type away at his phone, his attention focused on something on his screen.
He wanted to ask what the other was planning but before he could even draw the breath to ask, the phone was shoved into his face, a blue of colors and white making his eyes struggle to put the pieces together.
"Here! Has he been to one of these?"
Once the brightly lit screen wasn't a centimeter away from his forehead, he got a better look at the place shown on the map, his finger working against the glass to read the information on the place.
"No.. he hasn't.."
"Perfect!! It would just be you two and a story waiting to be told!!"
Cool blue shifted against the screen, shifting the idea once again and finding it a lot easier to picture a night with this... Except.
"Compress.. I'm smart but.. not this smart"
A gentle laugh escaped the other's lips, its rhythmic giggling silenced as he took a sip from his cup.
"You don't have to be, they usually are not that hard and are story-driven. It will be quite easy to put two and two together once you're in it"
"Ok.." It didn't seem too bad...maybe they could choose an easy one to do and it would still be fun enough for both of them. Still, he wouldn't want his dove to get bored of simplistic puzzles. There was a reason he was in charge of their taxes. But this finally seemed like something that the other would enjoy so if it cost some metal battle with numbers or difficult poetry then it was worth it.
"It's not far either"
"Yeah.." he mumbled, already clicking on the link that sent him to the website of the place, noticing the variety they got to choose from.
One, in particular, had him pause from his scrolling, the mystery theme and the familiar historical name made him stop his search for the perfect room.
Finally, they found something, he'd book the place for the evening, finish it, and then go out to eat after at his favorite place.
He couldn't stop the grin from growing even if he tried.
"Thanks, old man" The table shook with how quickly the other got up, Compress having to hold both cups to stop them from falling as he was quickly on the verge of being left alone.
"I'm not old- Wait! The bill! You're the one that invited me you-"
Jingle.
The door was opened then shut, the showman watching as the darker, taller form of Dabi faded from view.
Great.
"He's paying next time" he mumbled, already pulling out his wallet to leave the required payment.
~~
It always smelled so pleasant when he entered through those white pearled doors, the scent of mint and lemon wafting through the air and leaving a pleasant feeling in his chest, that and the urge for some freshly brewed tea made only by his boyfriend.
He made the best after all.
"Chrome?" He called, shrugging off his coat, his hand working on autopilot to hang it gently on the rack beside the door, its weight found within seconds.
"I told you not to call me that."
There he was.
Once his coat was off and his shoes were stored nicely in the closet is when he ventured through the house, noting how a few things changed since he was gone.
They both had their own lives, their passions however from time to time they would take a break and rest in one another domain, this time it being Kuronos. The place was the very opposite of his, clean, bright, and pleasant in every way. He could probably lick the counter and taste the sanitizer from how well the other maintained the apartment.
Speaking of, when he couldn't find his lover in the normal spot that was the table, crossed-legged and gently pouring a cup of tea, he found him in the kitchen.
"There you are~" he purred, his back finding the wall so he could get a good look at what the other gave him. It had been too long since he saw him, he might not be able to wait until late tonight.
Kurono had always been so formal, so well kept even at home. His hair was pulled tightly into a ponytail, his clothes looked freshly ironed, and even his skin shined with the hints of a recent shower.
So kept together, he wanted to make him fall apart.
"Hello Touya" the other replied simply, his cool gaze settling on his task at hand, cutting the vegetables gently on the board before he'd swiped them off into a bowl, clearly prepping a salad for that evening or lunch tomorrow.
"You ready for tonight?" He continued, used to leading the conversations due to his partner's duty at hand.
"I suppose"
"Why so hesitant?"
He sighed, eyeing the piece of work that was his boyfriend. While he didn't have plans tonight due to him clearing any for this special day it didn't mean he wished to come back with some kind of horrible story of a night of ruined romance.
But the idea of shooting down any planning the other took time to make and put energy into...
"...Fine..." He winced, watching the fire rise in his lover's eyes. What did he think would happen when feeding the firewood?
"Fuck, you won't regret it" It almost made him laugh with how giddy Dabi looked now, that grin impossible to whip off his face even if he tried.
It was contagious too.
"I better not"
~
When the pallet of yellow, orange, and red shifted into something cooler of blues and whites, the knock came.
The endless silence was broken by the soft creek of his front door. Even without his permission he still entered, he'd have to teach him some patience.
"Dove?"
"A second please" he responded, his focus on undoing the hair tie that bonded his locks together. It had been a rushed decision on what to go in since his wonderful boyfriend told him nothing about what the plan was.
So he decided on a simple look, a burgundy coat that lined his body and covered the light-toned turtle neck underneath that matched his black pants. Thanks to Mr. Compress's fashion tips, he quite enjoyed the cozy feeling this gave, the colors blending perfectly and not as bold as a tux or a dress. A perfect in-between and a perfect choice for a mystery date.
Grabbing his keys and wallet, he started for the bedroom door, his hand moving to open it but it seemed it had other plans.
It opened before he could even touch it and once he found it was because of his boyfriend, he sighed.
"I said a second, please. We need to work on your patience." He grumbled, taking a step back as his boyfriend entered the room.
He couldn't stop his eyes from taking in the other apprentice, something so simple yet so open.
"Couldn't even wear something presentable?" He muttered, his eyes taking in the peaks of muscled skin every time the other man moved, the black crop top acting as the perfect tease.
"Want me to change?" His voice purred, dark, teasing. His hand moved to rest on the silver belt that held his black pants up, teasing the idea of changing.
"No" he answered, a bit too quickly to match the impression of distaste. It only made the other grin more and he could already see how the other's eyebrow rose with slight interest.
"Oh?"
His tongue twisted, the words jumbled and mixed in his throat, and his stuttering and cursing took a few seconds while he tried to get his act together.
"We- I- Time. We don't have time so it's fine" Perfect save.
It didn't seem to phase the look from the darker man however, his laugh echoing gently throughout the room.
"Ok princess, let's go then"
Ignoring the name that stirred something within his stomach, he pressed on gently.
"Where to?"
When the hand reached out for his to take, it was like second nature to take it, the kiss pressed against his skin making that feeling in his stomach worse.
"You'll see~"
~
"Name please?"
"Should be under Dabi"
"Right, they are preparing the room for you. Have you two done an escape room before?"
So this was his idea? An escape room?
The thought of actually trying an escape room was...new. Usually, escape rooms are for children and growing adults Aren't they not? Simplistic puzzles and even more simplistic stories lead you through a room so easily to 'escape' from.
However he can't shame the idea of one, he hadn't even tried one yet so why wouldn't he open the book to discover more from its childish cover?
"Did you read the story about your room or do you want a recap on what you will be solving?"
"Recap, think my partner would love to hear about this one" His boyfriend's voice purred making him ponder what exactly Touya set as their theme.
"Right! You two are in London as detectives with the great Sherlock Holmes as he works on discovering his greatest mystery yet. However one day the great detective goes missing suddenly, and the only traces of him are clues he left in his study. It's up to you to solve them and find out what happened to Sherlock Holmes before he's gone forever"
"Sounds fun" Touya called once the woman was done explaining the tale, seeing his boyfriend was way too deep in analyzing the story already to answer.
The soft dazed look that clouded grey eyes, the slight tension build up in pastel lips before it would suddenly go slack, the soft hums that would question his thoughts before they would go silent, yep, he would love this.
It only made the pride of picking the room even better, the past choices seeming to do some good for once rather than getting him into trouble too deep to get out of himself.
"Right, they are finished so if your two are ready I'll lead you to the rooms"
~
The room itself was beautiful in its way, patterned lines with a pale color decorating the room while every wall held a bookshelf or desk of some kind. Books and papers were seen almost everywhere covering every surface with different labels or stories or topics, it was impossible to see them all by a mere glance.
The candlelights had been a comforting presence against the strange fog that the room had, its thick air making it a bit rough to see. Perhaps it acted as Sherlock's bad habit of smoking if he had to guess, though it wasn't a bad idea, gave it more character that way.
Touya settled beside him, pressing his weight to his heels so he could take a look around the place, spinning on his heels and calling out a low whistle.
"Sherlock's almost as bad as me" he chuckled.
"You have an hour! If you need hints or help please call it out to the camera! Good luck!" A smaller TV flashed to life with its message, its speckles of light coming together to shift into a number the two could read, a timer.
"Doubt we'll need it Mm partner~?" The light poke caused the other to swat gently at the finger, his gaze unimpressed by the tease and instead finding interest in the room once more, his feet working on their own to move forward and guide him.
Dabi couldn't help but watch his snowflake wander, seeming to follow his curiosity and study the room even throughout the fog. He also had a growing curiosity about this room so perhaps he'd engage with this as well.
The camera's lens shifted to watch the two at work, its stare fixated on the two and their tasks at hand.
One had decided to try and find anything to deal with the smoke, the fog that settled in the room, wincing when he'd meet an unexpected wall or small table. No true harm was done, however.
The other already seemed nose-deep within the journals and pages left out on the main wooden desk, fingers working gently on the aged pages as he took in its information greedily. The note itself was from Sherlock, a hidden one at that seeing the way it ended with a different name and its context was about a simple mail delivery. However, the way the letter was written, each word or so had an upper case and when dotting it down, the message had been a clear SOS.
Sherlock was kidnapped willingly, something about finding out the mysteries from within however it was their job to save him and reveal the secrets that he worked hard to find.
How interesting. What Mystery was so infatuated that the great detective had to forgo the threat of abduction? Perhaps there were some more letters or even books he could see that would tell him if he looked further.
"Hey, Chrome!"
The silly nickname had broken his gaze away from the fogged desk, turning to try and spot his boyfriend from within the shades of grey and white mist. Soon enough however he didn't have to, a simple click had it vanishing within seconds as the room cleared and showed its true colors.
"I'm a genius" Dabi called, settling against a wall that held a mini fan, its purpose serving perfectly to rid of the fog. He had to admit, it was so much easier to see now that the smoke was no longer an obstacle.
"Whatever you want to tell yourself" He joked, his smile working gently onto his lips as he took on the room some more, unaware of the darker color of blue that studied him.
"What do you think detective?" Touya called, sliding off the wall and finding it easier to settle next to the grey-haired man, his eyes trailing to the note he had in his grasp.
"Sherlock has been kidnapped and left puzzles for us to solve so we can save him" A simple summary for one dramatic tale, seemed fitting however for the historical figure.
"Oh. How simple" He huffed, a breathy laugh escaping him, his gaze settling off into the room itself so he could help look for the next step. It didn't seem he had to look far however since Kurono was moving within seconds.
Twenty minutes. They still had twenty minutes left when the escape door cracked open in the secret second room they had discovered just ten minutes ago. The blur of grey had been impossible to stop once the two had gotten the code and messages from the other room. It only took a few pulls of hinted books to unlock the hidden passage behind the bookshelf. A clever and simple trick that opened up the mystery even more once reports of people hung on the walls of the next room. The story itself had been delightful, challenging, and perfect in every way and now it was clear that Sherlock would be safe now that the two stepped out from the room's blinding light.
"Congratulations!! You escaped!" Their host called once the two 'escaped'.
The shock was still evident on Dabi's face even when leaving the room. They had an hour and yet the whirlwind that was his boyfriend and his mind got them out within forty.
"Amazing work, you both set a new record for this room"
He didn't doubt that not even for a second did he doubt that because his boyfriend's mind was something to be feared. It was almost scary how intelligent Kurono could be at times, his quick answers to page-long equations or beautiful essays written neatly in the stand of an hour or two. The man could probably make sex look professional if he tried hard enough.
"Thank you" Kurono called from Dabis's side, his cheeks stained a pretty pink from the praise.
"Would you like some pictures? We have some props too if you'd like"
Grinning, Dabi took the lead to follow the other, a hand pressed gently into the other so he made sure there was no escape from the doom of flashing lenses.
"Well done baby" he called gently once they were huddled into a black corner and given a moment to pick and choose the props they wanted. It ranged from hats to mini signs, even a pipe was settled neatly on a book they could use if they wanted.
He giggled, breathless in a way as he gently took a 'I escaped!' sign.
"You were there too.." he mumbled, flashing a smile to the other when he rose from picking his item, a silly-looking fedora pressed into black locks.
"What do ya think? Think I can moonwalk outta here?"
The laugh that bubbled out his lips had been impossible to stop, the silly image of his boyfriend mimicking a famous dance move and failing horribly to get out the door was too good.
"Alright ready?" Their attention was drawn back once the hoist raised her camera, steadying it for the two as they got into their positions, Kurono deciding to use both hands to hold the sign while Touya slung a hand over his shoulder, the pipe setting in its grasp while the other held the hat to his head, his grin being contagious once more.
"3..2..1!"
~
"I told you it was a lever, I doubt the employees wanted to see you dive headfirst into a window"
Metal pressed into metal, twisting and turning until the familiar click of the lock was heard and the door swung open soon after, inviting the two inside after a long night out.
"Worth a shot, would have gotten us there a minute faster."
"Minute faster to the hospital maybe"
"Could have taken it"
"You're impossible" Those words were supposed to hold cold inpatients but with the giggle and flashes of teeth from a smile, he could tell the playful banter the two were in.
The night had gone as planned, a successful escape from a room filled with mysteries and puzzles, a candlelight dinner that shared deep mutual feels, and now the silence the two settled in one another arms, breaths rising and falling together than separate but connected in every way.
"Thank you, Touya.. tonight was pleasant" his voice had broken the silence but he could never be mad about hearing its soft tone.
"Of course Kurono.." he mumbled back, his arm that was swung to hold the other close tightening, wanting to settle like this for the entirety with his lover by his side.
Tonight, even if it was Valentine's Day, a Day of love, was just another added reason to love this beautiful man. God he didn't know how tangled his red string could have gotten for him to connect to the man that was Kurono. Whatever fate looked after him, he'd have to thank once he crossed however for now he would settle content by his soul mate's side, forever.
"Kurono..?"
"Mm..?"
"Yano I've been pent up.."
"Jesus Dabi.."